Dorothy Hoffman Obituary

Dorothy (Parodi) Hoffman

July 4, 1923 - July 9, 2022

Born on the Fourth of July, 1923, Dorothy (Parodi) Hoffman was destined to be a firecracker, and for 99 fabulous years she lit up every room that she entered. On July 9th, 2022, she graced us with her mega-watt smile for the last time, and passed peacefully surrounded by her family.

As a Napa County native, she spent her life dedicated to serving our community. After graduating from St. Helena HS (1941) she attended nursing school and returned to Napa to serve as a surgical nurse at Parks Victory Memorial Hospital. She married Joseph Hoffman, a fellow St. Helena graduate (1925-1979), and welcomed their daughter Jody in 1956. As always, she was never satisfied with maintaining the status quo and became a working mother through the 1960s and beyond, eventually retiring from the City of St. Helena at the age of 65.

For many this is where their story starts to slow down, but not for our Dorothy. She traveled the world taking month-long trips to safari in Kenya, hike the Great Wall of China, and sip wine in Greece, Italy and France. She was heavily involved with the Emblem Club for over a decade, even serving as the president (1989-90) and the president of the Napa Valley Dixieland Jazz Society (2003-2007). In her 80s, she spearheaded the efforts to restore the 1860 Nichelini Homestead cabin, preserving it for generations to come by making it a certified National historical landmark.

Fiercely competitive, she spent decades playing and winning bocce ball tournaments well into her 90s. She had a curious mind and was a life-long learner and pursuer of new passions. She was perpetually reading, crocheting, painting or sewing and shared these hand-made treasures with those she loved.

Dorothy was accomplished in so many facets of her life, however if you asked her she'd say her greatest achievement was being a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Present for every swim, wrestling, or gymnastics meet and on the sidelines of every football game with her cowbell. She served as her family's number one cheerleader.

Her legacy is continued by her daughter Jody Yepson (Neil Yepson), her grandchildren JJ (Krysta), Jeremy (Elisa), Christopher (Noreen), and Haylee (Terrence), and her great-grandchildren Duke, Siena, Dominic and a great-grandson due in October. As well as many other family members and friends whose lives have been richly blessed by this magnificent woman.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 31st. Please RSVP to Jody ([email protected]) by Monday, July 25th for additional information. Please come dressed in your best red, white, and blue outfit to pay tribute to Dorothy. The family also asks attendees to bring a printed version of your favorite picture with/of Dorothy to be included in a memorial scrapbook. If you feel moved, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Napa Chapter of the Salvation Army or a local charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Helena Star on Jul. 28, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Hoffman

8 Entries

Dawn Jensen Farry

July 29, 2022

To Jody, the family and all in the circle of one of the most wonderful women I've ever met, Mrs. Hoffman - I send my heartfelt condolences and hopes your memories will provide comfort and joy through this difficult time. I'm ever grateful for her 50+ year friendship with my Mom and kindnesses to all of us. Restored fully in Heaven and with those who went before her, God bless and keep Dorothy in eternal joy and peace.
With much love,
Dawn

Sudie Pollock

July 25, 2022

Dorothy and I became friends after meeting at Piners when she was recovering from knee surgery. We shared crochet patterns, recipes, a fondness for lunching at La Strada and Black Bear Diner, season tickets at Lucky Penny, books, word jumbles and just hanging out. She and my chow, Sebastian, were special friends. Blessings on your journey, Dorothy.

Janessa Borunda

July 25, 2022

Sending my love and prayers to Dorothy and her family. From the first day we met I knew we would get along. She had an amazing fire-like spirit that not many could tame. She taught me so many things during our time spent together and I will forever be grateful for those life lessons. My favorite thing about her was how passionate she was about the things she believed in. I will miss her stories, us trying to write little songs throughout the day, and her funny sense of humor. I will carry our inside jokes with me forever. Dorothy had a beautiful life and I only wish I´d been around to see more of it.

Jennifer Astramowicz

July 25, 2022

Sending love and light to Jody and her family in this time of loss. I am so grateful to have known Dorothy during the past year. I adored hearing her stories (and even a song she wrote ) and sharing laughter. Her friendship with my mother was such a blessing. I will forever be inspired by Dorothy- a chosen Grandmother for me

Jennifer Astramowicz

July 25, 2022

Sending love and light to Jody and her family in this time of loss. I am so grateful to have known Dorothy, to have heard her stories and shared laughter. Her friendship with my mom was such a gift. For me, she will always be an inspiration

Karen (Nelson) Cunningham

July 23, 2022

Sending love and healing energy to Jody and her family during this time of loss. I am forever grateful to Dorothy for her kindness and guidance during my early developmental years, she was truly a strong and compassionate role model.

Nancy O'Byrne

July 22, 2022

A well loved "swim mom" that I will always remember fondly. Rest in Peace.